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No. 680,957. Patented Aug. 20, I901. A. C. BACKUS.

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(Application filed Sept. 27, 1900. Renewed May 23, 1901.)

(No ldo del.)

3 mvenfoz'.

lUNlTED @TaTns PATENT Unmet;

ABRAM C. BAOKUS, OF \VHITEPLAINS, NEIV YORK.

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SFECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent No. 680,957, dated August 20, 1901. Application filed September 27, 1900." Renewed May 23, 1901. Serial No. 61,631. (No model.)

To ctZZ whom, it may concern..-

Beit known thatLABRAM C. BAOKUS, a citizen of the United States, residing at IVhiteplains, in the county of \Vestchesterand State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tops; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description ofthe invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in tops or spinning toys, its object being to provide a novel and interesting toy with which amusing games may be played.

The invention consists of a top or spinning toy embodying inner and outer shells, theinner shell having a series of interior pockets and exterior numbers or characters corresponding in arrangement thereto and the Y pockets, and the number or character representing the pocket diametrically opposite that in which the ball is seated will be exposed to view through the uppermost observation-opening in the outer shell.

The invention also consists of certain other novel features of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, as will he hereinafter more fully described, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spinning top or toy embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section. view of the toy, representing the same at rest at the end of a spin. Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same. Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the inner shell.

Like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The numeral 1 in the drawings represents the outer shell of the top or toy, having a stem or handle 2 at one end and tapering to a spinning-point 3 at the other end, the central orbody portion having a number of sides, V

Fig. 4 is a top plan in each of which is formed an observationopening 4:, the construction and arrangement being such that when the top lies in a horizontal position on one of its sides the opening at the diametrically opposite side will be uppermost. I prefer to make the central or body portion of said outer shell octagonal in form; but any other form of faceted multisided body may be employed. Upon the interior of the outer shell is arranged a cage or inner shell 5, maintained in the desired position by suitable stub-spindles or centeringpoints 6, connecting it at either end with the interior surface of the outer shell. This inner shell is round at its exterior horizontal center and tapering toward each end, the illterior being a circle horizontally and slightly oval vertically. Upon the inner circumference of the inner shell are formed an annular central series of cavities or pockets 7, forming seats for a ball 8, contained within said shell, and upon the outer circumference of the shell are numerals or characters placed opposite to the pockets and equal in number thereto and to the observation-openings in the outer shell. The ball 8, which is preferably spherical, bnt may vary to some extent from a true sphere in shape, normally rests upon the lower end of the shell while the top is spinning and is adapted to roll into the lowermost pocket '7 when the top comes to a rest and lies horizontally.

The game is played by spinning the top and allowing it to fall over to a horizontal position on its side when it comes to a stop. As the top falls the ball 8 rolls into one of the pockets 7 and turns the inner shell until the pocket within which the ball is seated is at the lowest point. The number or character placed in line with the diametrically opposite pocket, which will be uppermost, will then be exposed to view through the observation-opening in the uppermost side of the outer shell. The

numbers or characters may represent points,

of which a certain number must be obtained in the game, or the game may be determined by the highest number of points obtained in a given number of spins. Letters may be employed in place of numerals and the spelling of words or names made the object of the game. The primary purpose of the player is of course to so spin the top as to cause the highest number on the inner shell to be exposed, thus rendering the exercise of some skill necessary to play the game Well. Considerable interest and amusement may be aiforded to both old and young in playing the game.

Having thus fully described myinvention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A top or spinning toy, comprising a multisided outer shell formed With observation-openings, an inner shell having a series of pockets and a series of characters adapted to be exposed at said observation-openings, and a ball upon the interior shell adapted to seat in either one of said pockets, substantially as set forth.

2. A top or spinning toy, comprising an outer shell having a plurality of angular sides formed with observation-openings, an inner shell having centering-projections connecting it to the outer shell and provided upon its interior wit-h a series of pockets and upon its exterior with characters equal in number to the observation-openings and pockets, and a loose ball in said inner shell adapted to seat in either one of said pockets, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ABRAM OqBAOKUS.

- Witnesses:

P. B. PARKER, 13. F. PARKER. 

